A Star is Born

Fourteen-year-old Mony Yassir from Toronto has managed to snag an acting role on the award-winning television series, "Degrassi: The Next Generation."

This dynamic young lady has a physical disability as the result of a genetic condition. At 18 months, Mony was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a disorder that causes fibrous tumours to grow in her body. She has undergone more than nine invasive surgeries throughout her life, and in 2001 she endured two and a half months of traction and wore a body brace for six months. Through these experiences, Mony came to understand her strength of spirit and focus on the possibility of success despite the odds.

Mony wowed "Degrassi" casting directors during her audition, despite heavy competition from able-bodied young actors. Mony captured the recurring role of "Nadia," a feisty junior high school student who uses a wheelchair.

Mony is no stranger to the media spotlight - in 2000, she was a Provincial Ambassador for the Easter Seal Society of Ontario, representing over 20,000 children, youth and young adults living with physical disabilities in Ontario. Recently, the Easter Seal Society presented Mony with the Roger Abbott and Don Ferguson Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts.

"During my year as Ambassador I met many kind people... and they were all ears to listen to my speeches and show me that they care about me and about kids like me," says Mony. "Knowing this helped me in going to the audition with confidence and with the knowledge that many people accept me the way I am."

Now in its second season, "Degrassi: The Next Generation" explores issues faced by Canadian teens. Mony first appeared in the episode airing October 13. Check your local listings for showtimes.

For more information about the Easter Seal Society, e-mail Gloria Lin at glin@easterseals.org. For more information about "Degrassi," visit www.degrassi.tv.